Glossary: A

A
Acral: Of, relating to, or affecting peripheral parts, such as limbs, fingers, or ears.
Actinically: Of or relating to the chemically active rays of the electromagnetic spectrum, produced by exposure to actinic radiation, such as that from the sun, ultraviolet waves, or x- or gamma radiation.
Adjuvant: An additive that enhances the effectiveness of medical treatment, augmenting its action.
AJCC: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is an organization best known for defining and popularizing cancer staging standards.
Allogeneic: Denoting individuals of the same species but of different genetic constitution (antigenically distinct).
Amelanotic: melanomas that do not have pigment and may not even be visible (colorless or flesh-colored).
Atypia: Deviation from the normal or typical state. Atypia is a clinical term for abnormality in a cell. The term is medical jargon for an atypical cell. It may or may not be a precancerous indication associated with later malignancy, but the level of appropriate concern is highly dependent on the context with which it is diagnosed.
Autosomal: Describes a chromosome other than the X and Y sex-determining chromosomes.

Glossary: B

B
Basal cell : A type of cell found in the deepest layer of the epithelium.
Basosquamous: A type of carcinoma that histologically exhibits both basal and squamous elements.
BCC: Basal Cell Carcinoma
Biochemotherapy: The use of immunotherapy in conjunction with chemotherapy, has shown promising antitumor activity in patients with metastatic melanoma.
Blonde: A person with fair hair and skin and usually light eyes.
Breslow: The Breslow system uses the absolute measurement of depth in the local staging of melanoma.
Buccal: Of or relating to the cheeks or the mouth cavity.

Glossary: C

C
Canthus: The angle formed by the meeting of the upper and lower eyelids at either side of the eye.
Carcinoma: An invasive malignant tumor derived from epithelial tissue that tends to metastasize to other areas of the body.
Cautery: Use of a device or chemical agent to coagulate or destroy tissue.
CDKN2A: Genetically transmitted familial syndromes with alterations in the CDKN2A gene, which encodes for the tumor-suppressing proteins p16 and p19.
Chemosurgery: Selective destruction of tissue by use of chemicals, as for removing malignant skin lesions.
Cisplatin: A chemotherapy medicine used to treat certain types of cancer by destroying cancerous cells.
Clinical: Involving or based on direct observation of the patient.
Costimulatory: The natural ligand for the T-cell antigen CD28; mediating T- and B-cell adhesion. CD80 is expressed on activated B-cells and gamma-interferon-stimulated monocytes. The binding of CD80 to CD28 and CTLA-4 provides a co-stimulatory signal to T-cells and leads to greatly upregulated lymphokine production.
Cryotherapy: The technique that uses an extremely cold liquid or instrument to freeze and destroy abnormal skin cells that require removal.
Cytokines: Any of several regulatory proteins, such as the interleukins and lymphokines, that are released by cells of the immune system and act as intercellular mediators in the generation of an immune response.

Glossary: D

D
Dacarbazine: Dacarbazine, also known as DTIC, is an anticancer agent best known for its long-time use in treating metastatic malignant melanoma.
De novo: A Latin expression meaning 'afresh', 'anew', 'beginning again'.
Debulking: The excision of a major part of a malignant tumor that cannot be completely removed surgically, performed to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Dehydrogenase: Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is an enzyme, used to follow-up cancer (e.g. melanoma) patients, as cancer cells have a high rate of turnover with destroyed cells leading to an elevated LDH activity.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A slow-growing dermal neoplasm consisting of one or more purplish nodules that tends to recur but usually does not metastasize.
Dermatosis: Any skin disorder, especially one not characterized by inflammation.
Dermoepidermal: Pertaining to the dermis and the epidermis.
Discoid lupus erythematosus: A chronic skin disease occurring primarily in women between the ages of 20 and 40; characterized by an eruption of red lesions over the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
Dorsum: the aspect of an anatomical structure or part corresponding in position to the back; posterior in the human.
DTIC: The chemotherapeutic agent DTIC, or dacarbazine, seems to be the most active agent. Overall responses are noted in about 20% of patients, and they last only two to six months.
Dysplastic: Abnormal development or growth of cells, in which cell maturation and differentiation are delayed.

Glossary: E

E
Ectopic: Occurring outside of the expected or usual location; displaced.
Eczema: An inflammatory skin disease characterized by vesiculation, inflammation, watery discharge, and the development of scales and crusts. The large variety of types can be distinguished according to location and causal agent.
Elastosis: Degenerative changes in the dermal connective tissue with increased amounts of elastotic material.
Electrodesiccation: A method of electrosurgery that desiccates tissue by dehydration. A highly or moderately damped alternating electrical current is radiated through a monoterminal active electrode that is applied directly to or inserted into the tissue being treated.
Epidemiology: The branch of medicine that deals with the study of the causes, distribution, and control of disease in populations.
Epithelium: Membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells separated by very little intercellular substance and forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs.
Erythematous: Redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion of the capillaries, often a sign of inflammation or infection.
Erythroplasia of Queyrat: A form of intraepithelial carcinoma of the glans penis.
Expansile: Capable of expansion.

Glossary: F

F
Fibrosing: An overproduction of abnormal collagen (a type of protein fiber present in connective tissue). This collagen accumulates, causing hardening (sclerosis).
Fluorouracil (5-fluorouracil): Fluorouracil is a medication that kills cancer cells.

Glossary: G

G
Gorlin syndrome: Multiple Basal Cell Carcinoma Syndrome, an inherited group of multiple defects involving the skin, nervous system, eyes, endocrine system, and bones

Glossary: H

H
Histologic: Pertaining to histology, the study of cells and tissues at the microscopic level.
Histology: The microscopic structure of tissue.
Histopathological: Pertaining to histopathology, The study of the microscopic anatomical changes in diseased tissue.
Histotechnician: A histotechnician prepares routine diagnostic histologic preparations using standard procedures under daily supervision and review, for microscopic examination by pathologists (medical doctors who diagnose the cause and nature of diseases) and scientists.
Hypertelorism: An unusually large distance between paired body parts or organs.

Glossary: I

I
IFN: Interferon.
IL-2: A lymphokine that is released by helper T cells in response to an antigen and interleukin-1 and stimulates the proliferation of helper T cells. It has been used experimentally to treat cancer.
Immunogenic: Capable of inducing an immune response; antigenic.
Immunoregulatory: Regulatory mechanisms that act at the recognition, activation, and effector phases of an immune response,
Immunosuppression: Suppression of the immune response, as by drugs or radiation, in order to prevent the rejection of grafts or transplants or to control autoimmune diseases. Also called immunodepression.
Immunotherapy: The treatment of cancer by improving the ability of a tumor-bearing individual (the host) to reject the tumor immunologically.
Indurated: Hardened.
Intradermal: Within or between the layers of the skin.
Intralesional: Occurring in or introduced directly into a localized lesion.

Glossary: J

J
Junctional: A transition area or boundary between two different tissues.

Glossary: K

K
Keratinocytes: A specialized epidermal cell that synthesizes keratin.
Keratinization: Becoming horny and impregnated with keratin.
Keratosis: Excessive growth of horny tissue of the skin.
Keratotic: formed of excessive growth of horny tissue of the skin.

Glossary: L

L
Lentigines: Small, flat, pigmented spots on the skin. pl. of Lentigo
Lentiginous: adj. of Lentigo
Lentigo maligna: Melanoma in situ.
Locoregional: Metastasis (spread) of a cancer only within the region in which it arose. In contrast to systemic metastasis.
Lymphadenectomy: A surgical procedure in which lymph glands are removed from the body and examined for the presence of cancerous cells.

Glossary: M

M
Macule: A lesion that is not elevated above the surface.
MC1R: The melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) is one of the key proteins in regulating skin color. A member of the G-protein-coupled receptor family of proteins, it functions at the surface of specialist pigment producing cells (called melanocytes) to regulate melanogenesis in mammals.
Melanocyte: Any of the dendritic clear cells of the epidermis located in the bottom layer of the skin that synthesize the pigment melanin; the melanosomes are then transferred from melanocytes to keratinocytes.
Metaplasia: The change from one type of cell to another is generally caused by some sort of abnormal stimulus.
Metastasize: To spread, especially destructively, forming new foci of disease in a distant part by metastasis.
Micrographic: Having graphic texture distinguishable only with the aid of a microscope.
Micrometastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the primary site with the secondary tumors too small to be clinically detected.
Micronodular: Of or characterized by the presence of minute nodules.
Microsatellites: small spreading lesions, each one follows or adheres to another
Mohs' micrographic surgery: A surgical technique in which successive rings of skin tissue are removed and examined under a microscope to ensure that no cancer is left.
Morphoeic: hardened.
Morphology: The study of the structure and form without consideration of function.
Mucosal: Pertaining to (mucous membrane), a membrane, composed of epithelium that lines the cavities and other canals of the body that communicate with external environment through natural orifices.
Multifocal: Arising from or pertaining to many foci.
Musculoskeletal: the system of muscles and tendons and ligaments and bones and joints and associated tissues that move the body and maintain its form.
mutation:A change of the DNA sequence within a gene or chromosome of an organism resulting in the creation of a new character or trait not found in the parental type.

Glossary: N

N
Nasolabial: Relating to the nose and the upper lip.
Nd:YAG: One of the most common types of laser, used for many different applications.
Neurologic: Of or pertaining to nervous system.
Neurotropism: The tendency to affect, be attracted to, or attack nervous tissue.
Nevoid: Resembling nevus or mole, pigmented
Nitrosoureas: Any of a group of lipid-soluble biological alkylating agents, including carmustine and lomustine, which cross the blood–brain barrier and are used as anti-neoplastic agents.
NMSC: Non Melanoma Skin Cancer.
Nodular: A small protuberance consisting of a small mass of tissue or aggregation of cells.
Nodulocystic: Characterised by multiple nodules and cysts.

Glossary: P

P
P16: P16 is a tumour suppressor gene. Mutations in p16 increase the risk of developing a variety of cancers, notably melanoma.
Palmoplantar: Affecting the palms of hands and soles of feet.
Papillomatous: Characterized by or pertaining to a small benign epithelial tumor, such as a wart, consisting of an overgrowth of cells on a core of smooth connective tissue.
Papillomavirus: Any of a group of viruses that cause warts and other tumors in humans. Some types of papillomaviruses that cause genital infections have been linked with various cancerous tumors.
Papule: A small, solid, usually inflammatory elevation of the skin that does not contain pus.
Papulonodule: Keratinization of the basal layer incites a dermal inflammatory reaction, leading to the classic papulonodule with a hyperkeratotic plug.
Pathology: The scientific study of the nature of disease and its causes, processes, development, and consequences.
Pedunculated: Having a peduncle or stalk.
Perineural: Situated around nervous tissue or a nerve.
Periorbital: Surrounding the eyes.
Periungual: Around the nail.
Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: (PJS) is a rare familial cancer syndrome that causes intestinal polyps, skin freckling, and an increased risk for cancer.
Phenotypic: The observable physical or biochemical characteristics, as determined by both genetic makeup and environmental influences.
Photochemotherapy: (PDT) is a form of nonsurgical cancer treatment available since the early 1990s that combines a photosensitizing medication with exposure to a laser or other specific light wavelength to kill cancer cells.
Photodynamic: The use of the energy of light in the treatment of disease.
Phototype: Skin phototype depends on the amount of melanin pigment in the skin. It is assessed on a scale from 1 to 6.
Plaque: A small disk-shaped formation or growth.
Preclinical: Of or relating to the period of a disease before the appearance of symptoms.
Pruritic: Itching.
PUVA: PUVA is a Psoralen + UVA treatment for Eczema, Psoriasis and Vitiligo, and mycosis fungoides. The Psoralen is applied or taken orally to sensitize the skin, then the skin is exposed to UVA. Long term use has been associated with higher rates of skin cancer.

Glossary: R

R
Radiograph: An image produced on a radiosensitive surface, such as a photographic film, by radiation other than visible light, especially by x-rays passed through an object.
Resectable: Suitable for Surgical removal of all or part of an organ, tissue, or structure.
Retinoids: Compounds chemically related to, or derived from, vitamin A, which display some of the biological activities of the vitamin, but have lower toxicity; they are used for treatment of severe skin disorders and some cancers.

Glossary: S

S
SCC: Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Sclerosing: hardening
SLNB: Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy, is a minimally invasive procedure in which a lymph node near the site of a cancerous tumor is first identified as a sentinel node and then removed for microscopic analysis. SLN biopsy is a procedure that permits intraoperative identification of the first lymph node in the lymphatic basin at highest risk for metastasis called the SLN. The SLN is reflective of the histology of the lymph nodes in the regional basin. That is, if the SLN is negative for metastatic disease, the remaining lymph nodes are also likely to be negative.
Spilus (nevus): Benign melanocytic nevus with a speckled clinical appearance which may be congenital or acquired. Although it is generally considered a benign lesion, malignant changes have been reported. The true risk is unknown but is likely to be small.
Squamous cell: an epithelial cell that is flat like a plate and form a single layer of epithelial tissue
Stratum corneum:The tough, outermost layer of the epidermis or epithelium of keratinized oral mucosa, composed of flat, closely packed, dead cells converted to keratin that continually flake away. Also called the keratin layer or corneal layer.
Stroma: The connective tissue framework of a structure, as distinguished from the tissues performing the special function of the organ or part.
Subclinical: An inapparent, asymptomatic disease.
Subungual: Beneath a nail.

Glossary: T

T
Telangiectasia: Chronic dilation of groups of capillaries causing elevated dark red blotches on the skin.
TNM staging system: Stands for tumor node metastasis, a recognized method used to identify and predict the course of disease of a patient diagnosed with cancer.

Glossary: U

U
Ulcer: any eroded area of skin, marked by tissue disintegration.
UVL: Ultra- Violet light

Glossary: V

V
Vinblastine: A vinca alkaloid; the sulfate is used as an anti-neoplastic usually in combination with other, similar agents.
Vinca alkaloids: A group of alkaloids, including vinblastine and vincristine, extracted from the periwinkle plant (Vinca rosea), which arrest cell division in metaphase by disrupting the microtubules that form the spindle apparatus; used as antineoplastic agents.

Glossary: X

X
Xeroderma pigmentosa: An eruption of exposed skin occurring in childhood and characterized by numerous pigmental spots resembling freckles, larger atrophic lesions eventually resulting in glossy white thinning of the skin surrounded by telangiectases, and multiple solar keratoses that undergo malignant changes at an early age. This results from a single-gene autosomal recessive disorder.